Interior Design Styles

Natural light makes a huge difference to the overall energy and aesthetic of your home, as well as to your mood. You might think there’s nothing you can do without altering the structure of the building, but there’s actually several additions you can make which will make your home feel like a lighter and brighter place:

Window Treatments

Your choice of window treatment has the most influence on the amount of natural light in your home. Avoid heavier fabrics with lining, instead try opting for shades with easy mobility (such a cellular or pleated blinds) so you can lift them up and down when needed. You can also try sheer curtains, which are often made from translucent material – this allows you to have natural light in your home without compromising on privacy. Cafe curtains are another great option, as you can block out the bottom of your window whilst still letting in tons of natural light from the top.

Mirrors

One of the easiest changes you can make is to add more mirrors around your home. Mirrors reflect, so by placing them in strategic spots you can really create the illusion of additional light. You can also buy furniture that has glass or mirrored panels or accents if you don’t have space for a mirror.

Color Palette

Having a lighter color palette in your home can really do wonders for light. By painting your home in lighter shades, you can allow the sunlight to move more freely inside – think eggshell, blue, and light grays.

Change the Layout

You can make a big change by simply moving your furniture around. You might be surprised by how much light is being blocked by your floor plan, so try moving all items a few feet away from any source of natural light, including doors.

Make a Change

If you have a thick door letting no light in, look into replacing it with a door that has a window. This will open up the room a great deal.

Making a color palette helps immeasurably in the redecorating process. It gives you clarity and ensures your vision will work harmoniously, as well as ironing out any kinks early on. If you’ve never developed a color palette before, don’t worry as it’s an easy and fun technique that can be used for every type of style and room.

Start With Color Theory

A great way to begin, this is a psychological theory which suggests every color infers a different emotion. For example, orange implies warmth and optimism, purple imagination, brown nature and comfort, black sophistication. Find a full table of all colors and use them to help create the mood of the room.

Use a Color Wheel

Color wheels can help you match different shades together ensuring they all complement each other. This age old guide helps to create color schemes by logically matching literally every color under the rainbow. Experiment and see what feels right – you can find several websites online that do the hard work for you as there are many different avenues explore, such as monochromatic or analogous matches.

Add Neutrals

Neutral shades help to break up bolder and brighter colors, and they have to be chosen with just as much care and attention. Choose at least four, even if you have only one in mind – you might surprise yourself. Add more gray, black, or white to a neutral shade from a different effect.

Use Images

If you’re finding it hard to develop using just color, try finding images you like instead. Not just of decor but all manner of things including art pieces, nature, clothing – pretty much anything you can think of. A good tool for this is Pinterest.

Contrast

Contrast is another important element to play around with (think about white text on a black background as opposed to a light grey) Contrast makes a room pop, so use different colors for art, flooring, and ornaments to make them standout.

Remember experimentation is key, it’s important to find what works for your home and your style.

Remodeling your home can cause such a mix of emotions. There are so many different factors that go into a remodel. From choosing a contractor, finding a new morning routine, to living in a construction zone, there is a lot that can happen during a remodel and we get it. There are so many different ways for you and your family to prepare for a remodel, but in case you need some ideas, here are a few tips.

Do what you can yourself. You’ve already hired a contractor, but you don’t need a contractor to help you empty out your kitchen cabinets or to remove all furniture from your living room. Depending on the caliber of your remodel you don’t even necessarily need a contractor for tearing out those old cabinets in your kitchen. You also can remove things like fixtures and even remove flooring if need be, all by yourself. Preparing for your homes remodel this way can help you save loads of money. Doing a lot of projects, yourself can help you learn a lot too which is always a perk for a homeowner.

Something else you might not think about before your remodel is your schedule. Remodels complicate things…especially if you are remodeling your kitchen. If you don’t have a place to cook yourself a meal, then what will you be eating for the stent of the remodel? You don’t want to be paying your contractor and then be paying the restaurant industry on top of it, so consider making frozen meals that you can reheat in a bind. Another scheduling issue we have noticed stems from having a family. Having children in the home when you remodel can cause a lot of undue stress. It is a good idea to do your remodel while the kids are in school, but also remember to avoid important times of year like holidays so that your family can have a stress-free, dust-free, noise-free holiday!

Lastly, think about your pets. Pets, just like humans, can feel stress and you don’t want that for your fur-child. Try to consider how the noise and chaos of a remodel can affect your pet and then think of a solution so that not only your pet can continue living a worry-free life, but your contractor can too.

The eclectic style embraces all periods, styles and trends, mixing them all together to create unique spaces and themes to run through the interior of your home. There is often an element which ties all these seemingly mismatched pieces together in the form of color, texture or shape. Palettes, art, furniture, ornaments, fixtures all vary, so it can be difficult to make a space seem cohesive – however with enough research and drive you can produce an eclectic style that will make anyone envious.

Why not try out some of these ingenious eclectic design ideas:

Think About the Focal Point

As mentioned it can be a tricky to ensure your eclectic style is achieved with coherence; a good way to accomplish this is to have a distinct focal point. This will help the space have focus. It can be something new you introduce or you can further accentuate an existing feature. This could be something like a fireplace, a large piece of art or something else eye-catching.

To Fail to Plan….

The initial plan for your room should be focused on ensuring the layout of the room is perfectly designed and thought out. As you are mixing together different shapes and styles, you need to ensure they will fit in the space well without making it look cluttered.

Less Can be More – Even Eclectically

Yes, eclectic means mixing together different styles, but don’t mistake that for amalgamating anything and everything. Choose a certain number of trends/periods and stick to them so as not to overwhelm.

Consistency is Key

If you are choosing to have an eclectic theme running through your entire home (great for keeping a consistent energy without it becoming boring) then you should still consider having one factor that ties the spaces together. This helps with the natural flow of a home and avoids it becoming disjointed.

Color Choice

A good way to keep an eclectic room together is to have one color which serves to unify the room. Often, neutral colors work well on walls and floors, with furniture, drapes and ornaments and accessories providing a pop of color and uniting the space as a whole. Having a clean background in the form of neutral walls also creates a blank canvas to fill, and keeps the room from looking too busy. Shapes also serve as a great way to gain unity if you want a variety of colors.

This type of style is all about experimentation, so don’t worry if the space doesn’t seem right straight away. Keep evolving and adding to your design for a truly eclectic home.

Country-inspired décor doesn’t have to be old-fashioned; in fact it can be a great design choice for many different types of space. It can be used to bring character and a sense of home to a new place, or revamp your current one. The great thing about this style is also its lasting ability; if done correctly it will last without looking dated. Most people associate this style with kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms – namely shared spaces – however this theme can run through every room in your house.

You can bring a slice of the country to the city – or wherever you may be – with any of these top design tips:

Perfect Patterns

Use traditional patterns like floral and gingham to inject some country style into your home. This can be subtle, using throws or cushions, or more obvious by having curtains or furniture decked out in beautiful floral tones. Woven fabrics make great throws for furniture and are super cozy too.

Mix and Match

Not everything has to match! Different colored armchairs and other eclectic mixes of furniture give a room character and make it unique. This gives you more freedom when it comes to space and style, and you can continue to evolve your décor well into the future.

Flooring

Less is more. Restored floorboard painted white or left in their natural state and a neutral colored rug to tie the room together works well. You don’t need to overcomplicate it. Keep it simple and natural. Woods are a popular choice generally for this style of interior, especially lighter options as they open the room up. This can run through to the kitchen in cabinets and the bedrooms in furnishings.

Little Touches

Flowerpots, watering cans, vases, decorative plates and vintage luggage all add subtle country tones to your décor. When it comes to art work, you don’t want anything too intense. Choose pieces that complement the relaxed and classic country vibe.

Calming Colors

Nothing has to be too bold here, you want a place to relax and feel comfortable in. Floral, pastel hues should be your palate, with a focus on creating an open space. Feature walls and furniture can be painted in light blue stripes or lightly contrasting colors.

Country design is uncomplicated, full of character and made with love. Try any of the above to begin your journey into this style, and you won’t look back.

The art deco style is something that never seemingly goes out of fashion. The trend of Arts Décoratifs began at the turn of the twentieth century; however it didn’t reach the heights of its greatest popularity until the 1920s. It is known to be a pastiche of different styles, ranging from France to Egypt, the Orient to the Mediterranean. The underlying desire of this style was a move towards a more modern and affluent aesthetic in all mediums of art, including architecture, painting, sculpture and of course interior design. This style also often implements geometric patterns, vibrant colors and expensive materials made with bespoke craftsmanship.

Art deco is classically beautiful and can fit any kind of space. Why not try some of the following to add a touch of this stunning style to your home

Go Geometric

Art deco is characterized by strong geometric shapes and patterns. A good way to start your deco design journey is to choose a strong, geometrically themed wallpaper, creating a bold statement with lines or curves that complements the room. This could be a feature wall if you prefer an art deco accent to a space.

Be Bold

To design a room in this style, you need to be confident. Be bold with your choices and finishes by opting for contrasting colors. Black, white and metallics exude that kind of classic throw back to art deco, but you don’t need to limit yourself to monochromes and metals. Deep browns, vivacious reds and choice placements of mirrored surfaces and tiles combine to create an interior that emanates this era. Think about tiles and wood patterns when it comes to your flooring too – parquet for example.

Add in Artwork

This movement was deeply connected to the art world, so it only makes sense to include some choice items that will further add to the overall design. Picking out some classically art deco-inspired paintings, sculptures and furnishings like ornate lamps will complete a room.

Flashy Furniture

Art Deco influenced furniture has drama at its heart, marrying the aesthetic with functionality. Patterns may be bold, geometric and luxurious. Your furniture choices should be dramatic with hard lines, angles and distinct shapes that further contribute the room’s visual appeal. The same goes for any fixtures such a cabinets, wardrobes, and your choice of blinds and curtains.

Travel Touches

Global travel was beginning to really take-off during the popularization of the art deco movement, so why not add a few fun touches of this to your design. Display small trinkets, maps and any pieces of art you may have acquired whilst on your own trip to add the same subtle exotic appeal.

Remember when it comes to design you don’t always have to stick to the rules – especially with Art Deco. This style really meshes well with others, so you can just have a touch here and there depending on your preference.

You may not have the luxury of living by the sea, but that doesn’t mean your home can’t provide the illusion. Nautical interior design brings a fresh, spacious, relaxing energy that never goes out of style. Bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, family rooms, and gardens –all of these spaces can benefit from some coastal chic. The great thing about this style choice is that you don’t need to start from scratch, you can add accent of maritime to an already existing design as a way of refreshing a space. Let’s take a look at some top tips that will help you embrace the oceanic wonderer in you.

Sublime Stripes

A really simple way to introduce the nautical design into your home is to use stripes. These are usually in pastel colors: light blues, greens and pinks but can also be in blacks, whites and navy. Striped patterns can be used on wallpaper, in furniture tapestry and cushions and in window treatments. A pair of elegant, striped roller shades can immediately revitalize a room. You can contrast gracefully muted stripes with pops of primary color to bring variation to space – reds and yellows are a great option for this.

Myriads of Maritime Accessories

A few choice nautically-themed decorations can add character and style to a space. The key is to not go overboard and make it too overcomplicated and busy. Nautical design is characterized by a feeling of open space and you want class over clutter. Good ideas for decorations in this design are anchors, telescopes, starfish, sea creatures, surfboards, maps, glass bottles and nautical stars. Remember, just opt for few of these items – less can be more.

Find a Focal Point

As in most rooms, you need to have a focal point as this helps with the overall theme and balance. Consider a large nautical star painted above a light fixture or an anchor print on bed sheets to bring the room together.

Creative Colors and Materials

Your color scheme should be light and uncomplicated, creating an open space to relax into. Think bare, rustic, light wooden flooring paired with white walls, accented with color by blinds, cushions, furniture and decorations. Painted wood is a common characteristic to experiment with, as are dark mahoganies – but remember you still want to keep an open, airy vibe. Contrast your colors by having darker or brighter accents combined with the overall neutral hues.

To be Bohemian is to be non-conformist in nature, and is associated with ideas of the avant-garde and freedom of expression. This translates to it as a style choice for interiors, and evokes a more relaxed, laid-back approach to design. This term and the subsequent décor that it spawned gained popularity during the 1970s, with the name being borrowed from the past to describe people who do not agree with the majority and the establishment. For Bohemians, rules are made to be broken.

So how can you get a chilled, Bohemian vibe to fill the rooms of your home? Well remember when it comes to this type of décor, there aren’t that many rules to abide by. Things are often busy, with rooms being filled with paintings, materials, sculptures and pillows. Let’s take a look at some elements which are commonly found in this type of décor. Who knows? You may be a budding Bohemian at heart after looking through these style ideas:

Material Madness

This type of décor is often characterized by a buildup of different contrasting materials, placed naturally on all type of surfaces. This can be rugs on the floor, wall hangings, throws on furniture, canopies on beds. In other words, there is a great deal of layering going on without adhering to a strict order or color scheme. Play with texture and color: tie-dye, silk, velvet, cords, fur, satin, suzani; whatever works for the room. Clashing of patterns is good, throw a mish-mash of pillows with a chunky knit 70s-inspirend throw and hey presto – you’re on your way!

Bring the Outside In – and Vice Versa

There is no separation when it comes to furniture, décor and the external and internal. As we said above, rules do not figure into the Bohemian psyche. This means plants – and an abundance of them – can live inside, spilling over and held in macramé knots. The same goes for ornate, Moroccan-inspired lanterns– these can make an appearance both inside and out of your home. When it comes to the exterior of your home, use exactly the same décor; rugs, materials, cushions, candles and furniture in a mix of different styles and with character to help create a beautifully Bohemian vibe. You can even pop some string lights or a chandelier out there.

Fabulous Furniture

When it comes to furniture, variety is the word to remember. Combine any number of clashing styles: different chairs around a dinner table, a mismatched sofa and an ottoman. What ties it all together is its difference, and the more different the better.

This style is one that appears effortless and is totally unique. If you feel this type of interior design suits you then start experimenting with the Bohemian in you now!

To attempt to define modern as a style is fraught with difficulty; after all it can mean so many things. In its simplest explanation, it encompasses the modern art movement of its namesake. At its most complicated is it plethora of different styles that is constantly changing – but there is no need to get confused with all of that now. Instead, let’s explore some of the themes and characteristics that tend to run through this trend so you can start experimenting with the modernist in you…

Clean, Minimalist, Uncluttered

These keywords should be at the forefront of your mind when you are designing your space. There is a focus on organization, this isn’t a mishmash of different styles nor does it need to be overcrowded. There should be no clutter, no chaos and things should be functional whilst still holding aesthetic appeal. This means simple shapes and sleek designs for furniture are you friends. You of course don’t want it to seem sterile, but you need to put some real thought into each item you choose as they will be some of the few features of the space.

Calm Colors Contrasted

The palate of the room should flow effortlessly and the bulk of it should not be too bold. Yes, include accent walls that inject some vibrancy if needed, but on the whole you should choose more neutral and relaxed colors to match the minimalist design. Consider a chimney breast in a strong primary color, one bold piece of furniture, brightly-colored shades, a rug or a piece of vibrantly-colored art. This will make the room exciting whilst still sticking to the tenants of minimalism and relaxed décor.

Magic Materials

Metals, woods, leathers and plastics are commonly seen in this type of design. Chrome, oak, Perspex; they all have a place in the modern design space. Mix these materials to create variation: transparent Perspex seats around a thick, square oak dining table, a black leather angular sofa with steel and wooden triangular coffee tables – don’t be afraid to experiment.

Open to All

An open floor plan is extremely characteristic of the modern style. This joins rooms together and gives the illusion of additional space. Use counters or other furniture to instill a visual distinction between the different areas, and have a similar palate running through it all for cohesiveness. The modern style of interior design generally works in many different homes; it is especially functional for smaller spaces as its minimalist approach opens a room up.

Nothing says modern chic more than industrial interior design. It is urban, cool, raw and unapologetic. It takes confidence and courage to pull of this look, but if you do you won’t be disappointed. Originally this style was created out of necessity, with many old factories and warehouses being converted into living spaces in urban areas. Slowly it evolved and became popularized thanks to its cutting edge approach and daring nature. If you think the industrial interior is perfect for your home then have a look at some of our top tips:

The Magic of Metallic

Industrial style incorporates a great deal of metal thanks to its humble beginnings. This means steel, iron and copper are prominent themes that run through a space. Exposed pipes, lighting, metal structures, stairways and roofing are all great touches, as well as having flooring, blinds, walls and furniture in metallic colors. Wood is another material that often makes an appearance.

Get Inspired

The great thing about this type of style is that you can get inspiration from anywhere. If you live in the city, go walking in the industrial district taking note of your surroundings. You’re bound to see exposed brickwork, roof trusses and many other things that will stimulate your imagination and start your industrial revolution.

Fabulous Furniture

You can renovate and repurpose functional furniture to add true industrial flair to your home. Think about metal lockers, office desk lamps, chairs and tables. Leather, metal, wood and plastic are all materials that are used. Look around flea markets to find some unique items.

Exposure

Where other designers look to cover up, the industrialist breaks the rules and leaves it all bare. This means pipes, architecture, mechanics of lighting, wires and ducts are no longer shamefully covered, they become a part of the overall design and add to the minimalist and unfinished nature of this style. Your flooring choices should reflect this exposed aspect too.

Combine your Colors

As mentioned above, metallic colors are a common trend in industrial interiors. Monochromes generally are a good choice; combine with pops of color in other items to bring variety. Use cushions, rugs and accessories for this purpose, however remember to keep minimalism and functionality at the forefront of your mind.

Art

Your art should be a statement. That means large, bold graphics, murals and symbols and choice pieces of abstract and post-modern art to add splashes of color. Don’t overcomplicate, keep it to a few pieces that are simple and will be a focus for the room.